'45 H transmission seal

The front transmission seal on my '45 H is leaking and needs to be replaced. One mechanic told me that it can be replaced without breaking the tractor; another said it has to be broken. I am looking for a definitive answer.

Both front transmission seals can be replaced without splitting the
tractor. If your leak is in the lower(countershaft) seal that is a little
less work. You'll need to drop the belly pump for either one and
that will give you more room to look in there. If you post back
which seal you need to do I or many other folks on here can give a
detailed step by step plan.
Zach

take the hydro pump out, can get at both seals.

Like Zach and Heavy mention, both front seals are easily replaced without splitting the tractor. After dropping the hydraulic pump installing new seals is straightforward.

Note: Replacement seals will likely be only 1/2 the thickness of the OEM seals. This is OK. Simply push the new seals into their bores until the seal lips bear on unworn sections of each shaft.

Remove the belly pump & loosen the driveshaft bolts to remove the coupler.
Here is the method I have used several times:
When loosening the drive coupling bolts (after the nuts have been removed) lock the shaft to prevent rotation and find a LONG handled combination wrench and turn the bolt to remove. Takes a lot of force (the bolts are tapered) to turn the bolts so an "extension" on the wrench is handy. It will "snap" when the bolt comes free. This process works much easier than trying any other method.

Good luck.

(quoted from post at 09:58:04 03/23/15) Both front transmission seals can be replaced without splitting the
tractor. If your leak is in the lower(countershaft) seal that is a little
less work. You'll need to drop the belly pump for either one and
that will give you more room to look in there. If you post back
which seal you need to do I or many other folks on here can give a
detailed step by step plan.
Zach

Click to expand...

I'm not sure but I think it is the upper seal that's leaking. I've already dropped the hydraulic pump.

(quoted from post at 13:56:40 03/23/15)

(quoted from post at 09:58:04 03/23/15) Both front transmission seals can be replaced without splitting the
tractor. If your leak is in the lower(countershaft) seal that is a little
less work. You'll need to drop the belly pump for either one and
that will give you more room to look in there. If you post back
which seal you need to do I or many other folks on here can give a
detailed step by step plan.
Zach

Click to expand...

I'm not sure but I think it is the upper seal that's leaking. I've already dropped the hydraulic pump.

Click to expand...

While you're in there, and all greasy and grubby allready, just replace both of those seals.

(quoted from post at 14:28:27 03/23/15)

(quoted from post at 13:56:40 03/23/15)

(quoted from post at 09:58:04 03/23/15) Both front transmission seals can be replaced without splitting the
tractor. If your leak is in the lower(countershaft) seal that is a little
less work. You'll need to drop the belly pump for either one and
that will give you more room to look in there. If you post back
which seal you need to do I or many other folks on here can give a
detailed step by step plan.
Zach

Click to expand...

I'm not sure but I think it is the upper seal that's leaking. I've already dropped the hydraulic pump.

Click to expand...

While you're in there, and all greasy and grubby allready, just replace both of those seals.

Click to expand...

Okay, so I'll replace both seals. Top seal appears to be the challenge. I'd sure appreciate someone giving me step by step instructions. Does the coupler have to be removed from the driveshaft? Is a puller required to remove the coupler and is there room for a puller?